Watch Gang...thoughts?

Funnily enough, I've never used Watch gang,(a subscription service doesn't appeal to me) but I am on Watch gang UK Facebook and do quite a few deals on there. 👍🏻

Have never been tempted to join to be honest ... I remember my experiences with Columbia House record/tape/CD subscriptions years ago! LOL!!

That said, I've seen a couple of EweTube videos recommending staying away from W.G., citing overall expense, lack of value for $$ ... plus the fact that some of the watches they send out can be on the "crappy" side when it comes to quality and/or aesthetics ...

Hmmm. I wanted to do another post about buying/selling. I have never sold a watch and want to learn more. Thanks for that.

I've never tried a subscription service for watches, but those watches that you got are actually pretty nice

Going by what you have so far looks like you're doing well 👏🏻👏🏻

I'd been developing my watch tastes/interests for several years already before that service launched, so I could see that some pieces were legit, while others weren't really a good value. But primarily, I knew that not being able to search out something that deeply pleased or excited me was going to drive me crazy almost immediately. Same reasons I'd previously opted out of subscription clothing boxes, too. There's a mesh of aspects to choosing and appreciating the aesthetic objects in our lives, and narrowing that all down to a like a dispensed thing is super unappealing to me. I get that it works for some people, especially early in a hobby, but I mostly prefer to learn a bit about something (social post, friend, research) and then explore. It's the exploring!

Well said. I agree on all accounts. The only thing I'd add is the subscription boxes for clothing never fitted my crazy body. I wish I didn't have quads that didn't fit into clothes! 😂

First time hearing of this subscription service. I can't really see the appeal, as the hunt and research phase is half of the fun for me. I wouldn't want a random watch to show up at my door, robbing me of the thrill of finding the perfect watch for my taste and just accumulating more and more watches I didn't lust over in the first place.

At least you got some cool pierced. I always thought those things are too risky to get something I wouldn't wear. I love that Laco.

From my experience as a brand owner (Vaer) I’d recommend staying away from Watch Gang. Ryan and I had the chance to meet with their team back in 2018 when we were in our early days, as they’re also based in LA. The overall atmosphere was very sleazy - and they are not a good team to partner with as a brand, because they typically like to white label an existing brand name, and do a cheaper alternative with high MOQs for their list (they basically wanted us to work with them at cost for the ‘good’ exposure). Basically, the business model is to find small companies, then cutting quality and shipping out big numbers, to benefit their bottom line, but ultimately risk the long-term reputation of the partner brand. One of their employees is a North American distributor for Laco, so they do have that relationship, and the free Rolex thing is real, but most of the other brands are filler, and I would highly advise any value-oriented indie brand to avoid working with them. I also feel the whole randomized aspect is somewhat antithetical to the passion of collecting.

The hunt is half the fun! Being told this is your watch hope you enjoy 😕.... doesn't appeal to me.

1. I am honored that a brand owner commented on my post. I have been eyeing Vaer a lot lately and am now going to invest in a piece because of this. I am a big guy who is active and love your intent on quality pieces that can withstand a lot! Thank you.

2. I have been really been getting into microbrands a lot more lately. I love the idea of supporting smaller businesses who are able to pivot and learn from their customer base.

3. I am even more excited to see more US brands in the space like yours. I still love Swiss, Japanese, etc...but supporting our economy is also something I believe in as a veteran.

4. Thank you so much for the more in-depth review of WG. I cancelled my subscription after joining WatchCrush and am very happy I did so.

Thanks again. You now have a brand fan!

I have learned my lesson in the 90ies with a "Music club" that sent a monthly CD if you didn't cancel it. I still have a bunch of CDs that I have listened to once.

I fear it would be the same with watches. And with watches I would definitely want to see it "in metal" to see if I like it...

Not having the option to send it back if you don't like it also seems like they wouldn't believe in the watches they are sending you

I have never been a subscriber but I have done the wheel. I think the wheel can be a good deal if you find a watch in the tier one section you like at a price you like.

I like Laco flieger. Cool dial color and I prefer the Type B layout. To me it has more brand/history than the other two

I had a Watch Gang Black subscription for about a year before they increased their prices. Most of the watches they sent out were 42-44mm, which didn't fit my 6.25" wrist well, but I enjoyed the novelty of what I received. I still have my 42mm Dufa because of how it wraps around my wrist, but the rest have all moved on.

I recently bought a 36mm Vaer S3 Quartz (with 20mm lugs), and I love the small size and how the lugs still curve down. If you like smaller watches, I highly recommend it.

I had watch gang for about a year and a half. I have 2 watches I kept, a Citizen titanium and an Orient star fish, and only one other watch I wish I would not have let go in a trade. I sold all of the rest for less than the $30 price tag for the cheap level and less than $50 for the black level (about 4 watches). They were mostly the cheapest bulk purchase watches they could get. On 2 of them the batteries were dead before I could sell them off. I wish I would have saved that 1k I spent there and bought an Oris or Seiko when the prices were lower and I had the money to spend more freely. That watch wheel was shifty too